Paperback, [PU: Random House USA Inc], Father Ruiz-Sanchez, a priest and scientist, is sent to Lithia, where he comes upon a race of aliens who are admirable in every way except for their total reliance on cold reason, which makes them incapable of faith or belief., Science Fiction, Science Fiction

Father Ruiz-Sanchez is a dedicated man--a priest who is also a scientist, and a scientist who is also a human being. He has found no insoluble conflicts in his beliefs or his ethics . . . until he is sent to Lithia. There he comes upon a race of aliens who are admirable in every way except for their total reliance on cold reason; they are incapable of faith or belief. Confronted with a profound scientific riddle and ethical quandary, Father Ruiz-Sanchez soon finds himself torn between the teachings of his faith, the teachings of his science, and the inner promptings of his humanity. There is only one solution: He must accept an ancient and unforgivable heresy--and risk the futures of both worlds . . .